Shillong, India: India made a commanding performance to clinch 3-0 over Maldives to secure their first victory in 18 months, giving new coach Manolo Marquez a perfect start.
India's most recent win came in November 2023, as they failed to secure a victory throughout the previous year.
This marked the first time the Indian men's national football team played a match in Meghalaya, Shillong.
Indian talisman, Sunil Chhetri, 40, who retired from international football last June, made a remarkable return to the squad, leading the team with the armband.
Just after the half-hour mark, Rahul Bheke opened the scoring for India with a well-placed header from a corner that beat Maldives goalkeeper Hussain Shareef.
Shortly after the restart, Maldivian Star, Hamza Mohamed (Hampu) made a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Chhetri's header from reaching the bottom corner.
India doubled their lead when Liston Colaco met a corner by Mahesh Singh at the far post, heading it past Hussain. Chhetri then scored his 95th international goal with a clinical header after meeting a cross from Liston.
Maldives substitute Hassan Nazeem (Choat) had a chance to pull one back, connecting with a cross from Ibrahim Mahudhee (Feydhoo Ibbe), but his shot lacked power, making it an easy save for Indian goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.
This victory marks India's 16th overall win against Maldives.
India will face Bangladesh at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in their first match of the Asian Cup qualifiers in Shillong on March 25th. On the same day, Maldives will take on the Philippines in their opening qualifier.
